Later, in the 1900’s, a series of scientific experiments were conducted
by Professor Peter O. Rosin, Dr. Ing., under the auspices of the British
Coal Utilization Research Association. The results are documented in his
report, “The Aerodynamics of Domestic Open Fires”. Through the use of
laboratory equipment, Dr. Rosin was able to observe air and smoke flow
patterns and thus developed the ideal firebox and chimney shape for
maximum efficiency. While expanding on Rumford’s work, some of Dr.
Rosin’s findings varied dramatically from Rumford’s earlier theories;
perhaps the most notable being the smoke shelf theory, shown
diagrammatically at the right.

The important point of Dr. Rosin’s work is that it was performed in a
scientific manner and pointed the way to a much more efficient and
functional fireplace. Bell of England took this information and applied
it to develop the Bellfires Fireplace, providing the ideal firebox and
throat shape to guarantee a smoke-free efficient fireplace capable of
producing maximum radiant heat with minimum fuel.

Sleepy Hollow Chimney Supply has optimized the Bellfires® designs, and
produced a superior radiant firebox combining advanced casting
techniques and high temperature, high alumina ladle cast refractory. We
feel confident that our Bellfires® units are the finest heat- producing
open fireplaces to be found, whether used to upgrade old metal or
masonry fireboxes or in new construction.

3. Rosin’s experiments revealed that the ideal shape for a fireplace
was a smooth, curving pear-shaped back with no smoke shelf